How does one stay informed, but not inundated? In my opinion we need to know the facts but encountering it at every turn is a bit much for some of us, including myself.
Here's how I'm handling the news ...
I limit myself to one update per day, not a continuous feed of updates. This means I'm careful about what I watch on TV and allow myself to be exposed to online.
I pray about and for the innocent victims and that the reason for this horrific news will soon end.
I do not allow myself to be drawn into conversations where the news is being elaborated on, I just don't. Everyone has an opinion, and this can turn into a heated argument. I don't want to be a part of that.
I do not allow myself to be drawn into 'religious' discussions about what is happening. Here again everyone has their opinion, and a heated argument can quickly develop. Christians are here to teach and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not argue about whether this is the end of time or not. If as much energy and effort was being put into sharing and teaching about Christ as arguing over what may or may not be 'religious' implications of the current happenings, I wonder how many more could be won to Christ.
I stay busy! This morning I got up and made out a 'to-do' list for the week and then I pulled from that list the things I wanted to work on today. Here's what my day has looked like so far ...
patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
Sharing 43 years' experience of frugal, prudent living and pantry building
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Pretty much the same here! We pray like crazy for all those innocent people who are in danger and then try our best to focus on being kind to everyone we encounter around us. And keep stocking up and restocking our pantry so we have enough and to share!
ReplyDeleteGardenpat in Ohio
Gardenpat, I do believe we are kindred spirits, yes, to everything you said!
DeleteI am limiting my exposure as well, and no longer watch the news on TV ever, except for BBC. I absolutely cannot bear to hear the reporters tone, or the way it seems that every one of them makes their opinion clear. News should be about reporting, not commentating, in my humble opinion. I have also been researching background on the conflict - there seems to be an awful lot of posturing and mud slinging by people who don't fully understand the history here. ( To be clear, I don't think I understand it enough to take a side other than "all those poor innocent people" - so am educating myself) It is, and has been for the last 7 years, so hard to walk the line between being informed and being bombarded . I also remind myself daily that is a privilege to be able to take step back.
ReplyDeleteobscure, 'all the poor innocent people' is right and like you I don't know enough about the root problem to have an opinion.
DeletePatsi, I do so appreciate this post and your wisdom. I do not watch or read the news every day- it is all just too much. I also don't know all the particulars or histories of the current conflict- to know that it is going on and that we might become involved is enough for me to try to handle. I know of one in the news who was urging people to watch so everyone knew how atrocious it was. Well, I can't watch. I just can't.
ReplyDeleteI admit, I've been pretty stressed, not just over that but over all of the crazy things combined over the last few years. And now we, a very frugal family, are feeling the squeeze of the current cost of living crisis on top of everything. I know everyone is.
I am coping by preparing as best I can, learning to really hone my current skills and care diligently for the things and people in my care. I am working quietly with my own hands, minding my own business, and focusing on the things I can actually control. God will take care of the rest. I had gotten pretty worked up the other day when God gently whispered to me "Give no thought for the morrow. Prepare and do your duty, but don't worry or fret." It was a real comfort that brought me peace.
Kelsey, I have to remind myself that I too am only supposed to do what I can, and that God will take care of the rest in whatever manner He deems appropriate. I pray for God to strengthen my, at times, weak faith when I start thinking in terms of 'it's all on me.' This is definitely a faith journey and yes, like you we are feeling the financial aspect of it too. One day at a time and lots of prayer and time in God's Word.
DeleteI very much agree about stepping back. My mental health is too fragile to waste my energy on so much that i have no control over. It’s fear-based and i can’t be a party to it.
ReplyDeleteI also made elder berry syrup. I didn’t use ginger but added some rose hips for vitamin C. I swear by it! Plus, i made your zucchini brownies, pumpkin bread and started dehydrating some blackberries. Walked, walked and walked some more and volunteered at the Moose bingo for two hours. It’s time for jammie’s!
I pray more than watch the news. I cannot take it all the time. We have a very special someone who is deployed and that wears on me alot. I try to keep busy♥️
ReplyDeleteI don't know who you are or who your special someone is that is deployed, but rest assured there will be extra prayers brought before the throne of God for your special someone and for you.
DeleteThank you so very much
DeleteAs Obscure said, it's a privilege to be able to step back. There are certainly many in the thick of it who can't. Praying everyday is all I'm able to do, and although it seems little, there's power in prayer (I believe). I know a little more about the history, which dates back at least 100 years. We're bombarded with information and opinions today. More so than at any other time in my life. Too much. Long ago I heard a wonderful sermon about one of God's promises...
ReplyDelete"In this world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
And that keeps me going. --Elise
Elise, John 16:33 is indeed comforting, thank you for sharing it.
DeleteI have been sleeping A LOT because of healing and horrible headaches and so I have been somewhat insulated from it all. But, we have been praying although we are not always sure what to pray for specifically.
ReplyDeleteIn times like this though I have to do something about it so we are taking stock of how prepared we would be if we became involved in the war and filling holes in our supplies.
Lana, I hope your headaches get better soon. It's a good time to be taking stock and fleshing out any areas that need shoring up.
DeleteI just bought a house so I have lots to do. I never watch the news because I don't believe anything they have to say. I look at instagram for, like you, about an hour. Unfortunately, some of those posts pop up, but I scroll by. Like, I said, I have lots to do. God has blessed me with the perfect home and now it is time to get to work on it and prepare my little nest. Thanks for all you do Patsy!
ReplyDeleteA new home will certainly keep your body and mind busy!
DeleteIf we immerse ourselves in the details, it can render us useless. We each need to do the ministry God puts before us each day. Do the next right thing. Prayer is crucial!
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteGood advice. I read, from a reliable source, the bad news when the attacks started and that is haunting enough. So much evil and heartbreak. Beginning, middle, end of times, not my concern. Eyes on Jesus and keep praying. I too have been limiting my input of bad news to once per day. That is enough of a burden. And the price of everything is troubling. Things don't raise 20cents, they double. Sigh! I read a little saying. Saving for a rainy day requires a longer stretch of clear weather than it used to.
ReplyDeleteMy elderberry syrup is somewhere in the back of the cupboard. Good reminder to bring it forward, push the sunscreen and allergy meds to the back.
Ellie
Central Az
Ellie, the prices here are going higher and higher too and it's not small increases. 'Eyes on Jesus and keep praying," that's what we're doing too!
DeleteHow am I coping? My watchwords have been to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." I also use the Serenity Prayer a lot: "accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." I cannot change what's going on globally, but I can work on keep in peaceful home, choosing activities that give me peace and pleasure, praying without ceasing, and so many other things. We don't keep our heads in the sand and limit our "news" watching to once a day and then only for a few minutes. We do pretty much the same as you. We are busy with our daily lives and keeping our home safe and secure. We're still harvesting what's left in the garden and putting it up for the winter. I've been researching ways that I didn't know about to prevent food waste. Yesterday, after harvesting celery, I found I had so many celery leaves that there must be a way to use them besides drying. And there is. I found a French recipe for cream of celery leaf soup. Made it for dinner last night with salad and garlic bread. It was delicious and so easy. Some of the French recipes are great for using every little thing. I like to watch youtube videos and take free crafting classes. Currently I'm learning water coloring and blending with alcohol markers. So fun and relaxing. Making cards for Cards for Kindness who distribute them to all sorts of agencies. Doing something nice for someone else, sharing God's word. Blessings, Cookie
ReplyDeleteCookie, I love your comment. So much wisdom in it. I knew before I got to your name that the comment had to belong to you! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteI know just enough about global and American events to be current and to contribute money to and offer prayers for those in desperate need. But that is it. Obsessively worrying over problems I cannot fix helps no one, and affects my mental health and physical well-being. My family, friends, & neighbors need me to be well and whole and functioning and doing the best I can right here and now.
ReplyDeleteSue, your last sentence said it all and very well I might add!
DeleteI don't watch the news anymore. So much of it seems to be biased. All I can do about the situation is pray, so that is what I do. I understand why some people believe we are in the end times but no one knows the time except God the Father. Instead of praying that the end time will come soon I choose to pray for more time to spread the gospel. There are so many souls to be won.
ReplyDeleteOn a more practical note, I am stocking my pantry as much as possible with items that I know I will use. When I find something on a good sale I buy as much as I can afford if it is something that will keep well. It's just me and a couple of cats so it's easier for me than it is for people with families. I worry sometimes for people with kids to feed and clothe. Everyone needs to be diligent about preparing for an uncertain future. With God's help we will get through this.
BaggysMama, we focus on what we can control don't we and leave the rest to the One who controls all things!
DeleteExcellent advice for any time. What we focus on expands...... thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAgent X, not, well said!
DeleteThere are many signs converging over the last few years. I remember this verse- “When we begin to see these things take place, look up because your redemption draws near.” That is how I cope and have peace. God is in control.
ReplyDeleteGod knows and is in control!
Delete